Christmas Letter 2016

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
This Advent Season is a time for reflection, for remembering those who foretold the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven and a Messiah who would lead with equity, justice and righteousness.  We acknowledge a God who loves His creation so much that He sent his Son Jesus to live as one of us in the human condition, to be born an infant in Bethlehem and to die on the cross in Jerusalem.  We love Jesus Christ who gives us an example of what it means to be a child of God living in the Kingdom of Heaven, sharing God’s story, teaching, healing, feeding and befriending the other.
 
We dream of a time when we live in the Kingdom of God, where there are fresh fruits, vegetables and bread for all and no need for food stamps, where the water runs pure and fresh without lead or other harmful chemicals, where there is education and training for boys and girls that leads to meaningful employment, housing and clothing for all, a world where we are free to love God, our neighbor, ourselves and all of God’s good creation without fear of judgment and recrimination, a world full of hope, peace, joy and love for all with no exceptions.  May we wake from our dreams to realize that we live in a land of plenty with many fields waiting to be planted and a state surrounded by the world’s greatest source of fresh water.  May we wake to realize that God has blessed us with the able hands and feet and bright minds to strive for justice and peace among all people!
 
Blessings for a Holy Advent and a Joyous Christmas!
With Love, Mother Darlene+
 
PS:  Attached is our 2016 Christmas and 2017 January Schedule.  Please note that our Annual meeting will take place Sunday, January 29, 2017 directly following the worship service at 11:00 am in the Parish Hall.  Lunch will be provided.

Christmas Worship Services
 
Saturday, December 24, 2016 @ 5:30 PM                    Christmas Eve
Holy Eucharist Rite II with Christmas Story
 
Sunday, December 25, 2016 @ 9:30 AM           Christmas Day
Holy Eucharist Rite II with Christmas Story
 
Saturday, December 31, 2016 @ 5:00 PM                   New Year’s Eve
Potluck Followed By Eucharist
At First Presbyterian Church
 
Sunday, January 1, 2017 @ 9:30 AM                           New Year’s Day
Christmas Lessons & Carols
 
Sunday, January 1, 2017 @ 1-4 PM                             New Year’s Day
Rectory Open House (311 Irwin Avenue)
 
Sunday, January 8, 2017 @ 9:30 AM                 Epiphany I
The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Holy Eucharist Rite II
With Renewal of Baptismal Vows
 
Sunday, January 15, 2017 @ 9:30 AM     Epiphany II
Holy Eucharist Rite II
 
January 16, 2017, 8:30 AM
Morning Prayer in Chapel
 
January 22, 2017, 9:30 AM                      Epiphany III
Holy Eucharist Rite II
 
January 23, 2017, 8:30 AM
Morning Prayer in Chapel
 
January 29, 2017, 9:30 AM                      Epiphany IV
Holy Eucharist Rite II
Brunch & Annual Meeting – 11:00 AM
St. James’ Episcopal Church Parish Hall
 
January 30, 2017, 8:30 AM
Morning Prayer in Chapel